Frahm Digital

Four Common WordPress Security Vulnerabilities

Do you have a WordPress powered website, or are you planning to have one? Well, your site might not be as secure as you think. WordPress hosts about 59 million websites on the world wide web. Consequently, it is a primary target for hackers who want to access sites for their malicious gains.

Below are four common WordPress security issues you should be wary of.

1. Brute Force Attacks

It describes a vicious attempt by a hacker to break into your account by trying several username and password combinations. Depending on the strength of your password, they can get into your account or fail. Unfortunately, WordPress does not have a limit for log-in trials. Hence, these hackers can lock you out by overloading the server.

The easiest way to keep your accounts secure from BFAs is to ensure you have a strong password. Cybersecurity experts propose the use of three phrase passwords, as they are easy to remember yet hard to crack. An example is “roses and bosses.”

2. SQL Injections

MySQL powers the WordPress database. Hackers can gain full access to any website as long as they can access its database. Once in the database, they can plant content (SQL injections) to spam websites, ads, and other malicious content sites.

3. Cross-Site Scripting, XSS

The term XSS is a term used to describe nearly 90% of all online security vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is the most common in WordPress. XSS is a discrete vulnerability that easily goes unnoticed.

All the hacker has to do is to visit your site and upload an unprotected JavaScript. The hacker then uses the script to steal any information the victim enters. Most of them come as forms.

4. Malware

Talking about WordPress vulnerabilities without mentioning malware is impossible. The simplest definition of malware is “malicious software.” They come in different forms, which are:

Virus

This is a self-replicating malware that is activated by the user but eventually takes over the hosting server.

Worm

Has similar traits with the virus but does not require the intervention of the user to be active. All one needs to access the internet.

Adware

It is the least harmful but very annoying. It comes with most free themes, software, and plugins

Spyware

As the name suggests, its work is to capture user-generated information and dump it where the hacker can access it.

Keylogger

A keylogger is used by hackers to collect passwords. It logs all the keystrokes during a specific action. Naturally, a username is always followed by a password.

Ransomware

It is the latest and the most ferocious of all malware. It takes over the user’s files, database, or server until a ransom is paid. Very few of these can be successfully mitigated without paying.
Avoiding WordPress Vulnerabilities

While you may not be able to stay off some of the security vulnerabilities mentioned above, you can avoid most of them. Here are three WordPress development tips which will keep your site safe:

WordPress Brutal Force Protection

Prevent all the undesired effects of BFAs such as server overloads by opting for services that protect against the attacks.

Obtain Themes Form Trustworthy Sources

Plugins and themes are the primary ways through which most people get into trouble. Do not download any of these from untrusted sources. Use WordPress theme design techniques to create customized themes. If you must use an external source, ensure it is a reputable company that has been around for a while.

Update Your Plugins

Old and outdated codes and plugins create vulnerabilities that can be utilized by hackers. Stay safe by keeping all your plugins and themes up to date.

Run Malware Scans

Ensure your site is malware free by running malware scans as often as possible.

Have a WordPress Backup Plan

Backup offers a way back to normalcy after a hacker attack. Create a reliable backup strategy that keeps the WordPress backup in a safe and secure location offline.

Conclusion

Cybercrime has reached an all-time peak with hackers resorting to more technical and daring ways. However, securing your WordPress website only requires that you avoid the obvious pitfalls highlighted above. Seek our WordPress design help for more information on how to secure your site.